plough

A plough (American English plow) is an agricultural implement pulled by draft animals or a tractor to prepare soil for planting. Its main purpose is to cut and turn over the upper layer of soil, bury crop residues and weeds, and create a furrow for seeds. By loosening the soil, it can improve aeration and seedbed warmth, though excessive or inappropriate ploughing can increase erosion and disturb soil structure.

Types and design vary. The mouldboard plough, the most common form in many regions, uses a curved mouldboard to turn the soil over in layers. Disc ploughs substitute rotating discs for cutting and lifting soil. Chisel or subsoil ploughs are designed to loosen deeper soil without a complete inversion, often used to reduce surface disruption. Reversible ploughs can work the field in both directions from a central frame, improving field efficiency for tractors.

History and use. Early ploughs included the ard or scratch plough, a simple beam with a scratchshare, dating to ancient farming cultures. The mouldboard plough was developed in medieval Europe and, with steel construction and replaceable shares, became central to modern agriculture. Mechanization in the 19th and 20th centuries increased efficiency, enabling larger fields and standardized farming practices.

Maintenance and impact. Ploughing affects soil structure, moisture, and erosion risk, leading some systems to adopt reduced tillage or no-till practices. Common components include the share, mouldboard, coulter, and various other fittings. Regular maintenance—sharpening shares, adjusting depth, and inspecting hitch points—helps ensure effective performance and longevity.